<p>I've been doing a LOT of SAT prep in the past few months and I've risen my score fairly substantially... From a 1940 on the December SAT (which was a bad representation of my actual scores because my PSAT was a 204) to ~2100 on most practice tests in the BB. I took a practice test two weeks ago and then another today, and was really upset with the scores because they really aren't where I want them to be... (650-730 CR, 630-690 M, 680-800 W w/ 12 essay self-graded), compared to a wanted 2250. Based on my practice tests, a 2250 won't happen but I at least really <em>need</em> a 2100 because I'm really aiming for highly selective schools... Broadly defined.</p>
<p>So here are my questions...</p>
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<li>I've noticed that my scores tend to fluctuate quite a bit from test to test and even from section to section. I.e., the test I took two weeks ago was something like 670-770 CR, 690-730 M, and 690-800 W. And on the test I took today, section 2 CR was perfect, but I missed six between the other two sections (three each). Another example... My math score is murdered late in the test. Today, Section 3 Math I missed two with one stupid mistake, and five in Section 9 Math, four because of stupid mistakes and one from a lack of knowledge on how to solve the problem. And I missed #1 in Section 10 (lol). Just a side note.</li>
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<p>I'm really worried because while I (think I) can most likely score upwards of a 2250 with max concentration (I really do know what I'm doing when I concentrate), I have no idea how to reach some state of mental perfection... Does anyone have experience with this lack of concentration?? Will it go away on test day or do I really need to do something with the next week to prepare myself for mental torment? This is the second and really last time I want to take the SAT, so I know I'll definitely be really serious about it, but I usually am with practice tests too. So I'm really concerned that I'll completely lose focus mid test and end up with the same results as the practice tests.</p>
<p>My plan was to simply go through some sections from BB and other "official" tests in the next week in sections since I don't have time for another dedicated 3 1/2 hours, but after consistently losing concentration mid test I don't know if that's my best route. My main concern right now is guarding myself from losing focus and I really don't know how to train myself in a week to be focused for four hours. So, any advice/personal experience?</p>
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<li>This is completely off topic but I didn't want to start another thread for such a simple question. When a reflection occurs and you're asked to find the slope, are there any shortcuts to finding the answer? The BB explanation is kinda complicated (Test 7, Sec. 9, #11). The question I'm specifically referring to is:</li>
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<p>
[quote]
In the xy-coordinate plane, line m is the reflection of line l about the x-axis. If the slope of line m is -4/5, what is the slope of line l?
[/quote]
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<p>The answer is 4/5, so I was just thinking reverse the sign? But does this work every time? And would this be any different if I was reflecting about the y axis or origin? Or do I need to work out the problem every time... Because I understand what I'm supposed to do now if something similar happens on the SAT.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm kinda in a deadlock right now on what to do so really any comments are appreciated...</p>